THE following simple record of what God's grace can do in lifting a poor sufferer above the present grief may cheer many, and be the means of leading them to their Savior God, and to patient, ever thankful submission to His will. The one we speak of had once enjoyed the blessing of health, which she had used for herself, and not for Him who gave it. Now, long bedridden, she is a bright testimony to the truth of the scripture, "He Both not afflict willingly," and to what great things God can work in the soul.
S. has lain thirty-two years with half her frame paralyzed, speechless, often in pain, and penniless, except for the parish allowance, and the gifts of Christian friends. Not infrequently the last penny was spent, and the cupboard was empty, but never for long, for her Father in heaven would send her something, when, as she says herself, it was least expected.
On the afternoon of the day I made her acquaintance, she had not yet tasted food, yet an open intelligent countenance met me with a bright smile, as the hand waved me to the chair, and the lips moved their welcome, for no sound came forth. I said, "He doeth all things well"; and she laid her hand upon her heart and gazed upward where He is, as though she would pierce those opened heavens where, by faith, she sees Jesus her Savior, crowned with glory and honor. The placid calm of her features seems to reflect His image, for we "with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image."
To one, who by long practice is able to interpret the movements of her lips, she said, pointing upwards, "I am just waiting for the bright side" (meaning, "I am waiting for glory with Christ above"). "I would have nothing undone. All is right.”
When I saw her five years had elapsed since she had been lifted off her bed, as the pain incurred by the exertion would have been too much for her. She shares the room with another, and there is little quiet from morning until nearly midnight, but when all is hushed the enjoyment of the silence almost overcomes her. Here does He, who lives in glory and cares for His people, still come and manifest Himself richly to her, for He is her only possession here and portion forever.
It was in a workhouse twelve years ago that this dear child of God found joy and peace in the Lord, through the visits of a Christian, who had read and explained the Scriptures to her, Dear afflicted sorrowing one, let this reality lead you to the "spring" of all our joys, "God's love," revealed in Christ. He is the channel through whom the love flows, and every thirsty longing soul has but to drink and never thirst again. May we, like dear S., be able to say, "I am just waiting for the bright side. I would have nothing undone. All is right.”